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MLB News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Sunday, March 15

Prospect Zach Thornton Impresses in Latest Grapefruit League Start

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Mets prospect Zach Thornton delivered another solid performance, allowing one earned run on four hits with one strikeout over 3 2/3 innings against the Blue Jays. The 24-year-old lefty, a 2023 fifth-round pick, has maintained a 1.35 ERA across his two Grapefruit League appearances this spring. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Thornton's aggressive approach and ability to challenge hitters, noting that the young pitcher has shown he can compete effectively at the major league level.

Robbie Ray Dominates in Near-Perfect Spring Outing

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Robbie Ray continued his impressive spring training form by retiring all 15 batters he faced in a 7-1 win over the Brewers, striking out six. This performance follows a previous start where he left with a no-hitter intact, giving him nine consecutive no-hit innings over his last two appearances. Ray remains a focal point for the Giants' rotation as he builds momentum heading into the regular season.

Emmet Sheehan Continues Rotation Bid After Flu Sidelining

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Emmet Sheehan is working to regain his form after being sidelined by the flu. In his latest outing against the Rangers, he pitched 3 2/3 innings and threw 66 pitches, marking his longest appearance of the spring. While he allowed a two-run home run in the third inning, the outing was a step forward in his rotation competition. He currently has six strikeouts and six walks across 38 batters faced this spring.

Mookie Betts Hits First Spring Home Run

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Mookie Betts recorded his first home run of the 2026 spring training season during a 14-8 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Betts connected for the long ball off Cubs starter Jameson Taillon. His performance was part of a productive Sunday for the Dodgers, which saw the team secure wins against both the Cubs and the Rangers.

River Ryan Impresses in Four-Inning Spring Outing

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River Ryan continues to make a strong case for a Dodgers rotation spot. In his latest spring appearance against the Rangers, Ryan pitched four innings, allowing only a walk after a first-inning single while recording five strikeouts. Performance-wise, he has been the most consistent of the pitchers vying for a rotation role. The team remains focused on managing his workload this season following his 2025 Tommy John surgery recovery.

Francisco Lindor Debuts After Successful Hand Surgery

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Francisco Lindor made his Grapefruit League debut Sunday, going 1-for-3 in four innings at shortstop. Recovering from February 11 hamate bone surgery, Lindor reported feeling "pretty much like myself" and successfully tested his hand on a defensive dive. He hit two balls over 100 mph, signaling his power remains intact. While not officially committed to Opening Day, he is trending toward availability and remains optimistic about playing at full speed.

Zach Eflin Makes Second Spring Start Against Yankees

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Zach Eflin takes the mound for the Orioles in their first night game of the spring against the Yankees. This marks Eflin's second start of the spring and his first since an impressive two-inning debut on March 5. While team beat reporters speculate that Eflin may not secure enough innings to be ready for the Opening Day roster, the organization has not provided an official status update. His performance in this outing could influence the team's final decision regarding his availability.

Luis Robert Jr. Continues Strong Start to Mets Spring Training

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Luis Robert Jr. is hitting the ground running in his first Grapefruit League action with the Mets. After a delayed start to the spring to ensure his legs are fully strengthened and to avoid the lower-body injuries that have hindered him previously, Robert has recorded two hits in his recent appearances. The team is carefully monitoring his playing time as he integrates into the lineup, with the center fielder showing immediate impact in his limited exhibition opportunities.

Marcelo Mayer Expected to Return Tuesday Following Knee Soreness

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Marcelo Mayer is expected to rejoin the Red Sox Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday against Atlanta after being scratched Sunday due to left knee soreness. The injury is not considered serious, and he is slated to rest through Monday. Mayer has impressed this spring with an .816 OPS across 27 plate appearances, positioning himself as a strong candidate for the starting second base job. He previously posted a .674 OPS in 44 games as a rookie last season.

Andy Pages Showing Maturity and Power in Strong Spring Training

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Andy Pages is starting in center field for Sunday's spring game, capping a productive Cactus League campaign where he is batting over .400. After a late-season 2025 slump and World Series benching, the 25-year-old has focused on plate discipline and a more mature daily routine. He has recorded 13 hits in 32 at-bats with five extra-base hits this spring, showing significant growth in his approach and defensive work as he looks to secure a key role in the Dodgers' 2026 lineup.

Teoscar Hernández Rebounds with Impressive Cactus League Performance

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Teoscar Hernández is starting in left field for Sunday's spring game, highlighting a strong preseason where he is batting over .400. After a 2025 season hampered by a groin injury, the veteran has focused on health and swing recalibration. He has hit 15 for 31 this spring with two home runs and only four strikeouts in 33 plate appearances. Manager Dave Roberts has praised his improved work ethic and approach as he aims to bounce back from a career-low .738 OPS in the upcoming season.

Hayden Birdsong Diagnosed with Grade 2 UCL Sprain, Weighing Surgery

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Hayden Birdsong has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 forearm strain and a UCL sprain following an MRI. The right-hander is scheduled to meet with Dr. Keith Meister for a second opinion to determine if Tommy John surgery is necessary. Birdsong reported feeling a 'pop' after a curveball during a Tuesday outing against the Guardians. While he hopes to avoid surgery, he faces a potential absence that could last until the summer or the entire 2026 season.

Brandon Williamson Eyes Rotation Spot in Return from Injury

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After missing the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery, Brandon Williamson is competing for a spot in the Cincinnati Reds' starting rotation. The former Top 100 prospect has regained velocity and looked strong in spring training. He is scheduled to face his former club, the Seattle Mariners, on Sunday to further stake his claim for an Opening Day roster spot. Williamson is looking to build on a successful start to his spring campaign after a long road of rehabilitation.

Corbin Carroll Nears Return to Outfield Defense

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Corbin Carroll is expected to return to playing the outfield in games by Wednesday or Thursday, likely in a backfield setting. The 25-year-old, who underwent surgery in mid-February to repair a fractured hamate bone in his right hand, is currently making his third spring training appearance as a designated hitter. Barring any setbacks, the Diamondbacks expect Carroll to be ready to start in right field for the team's Opening Day matchup.

Michael Lorenzen Named Starter for Italy in WBC Semifinal

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Michael Lorenzen will start for Italy in Monday night's World Baseball Classic semifinal against Venezuela. The 34-year-old right-hander, who recently signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Colorado Rockies, previously pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings in Italy's group stage upset over the United States. A 2023 All-Star, Lorenzen went 7-11 with a 4.64 ERA for Kansas City last season before entering free agency.

Keider Montero to Start for Venezuela in WBC Semifinal

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Keider Montero has been named the starting pitcher for Venezuela in Monday night's World Baseball Classic semifinal against Italy. The 25-year-old right-hander, who debuted for the Tigers in 2024, pitched three scoreless innings in a first-round win over Nicaragua. Montero, who recorded a save in the AL Division Series last year, is coming off a season where he split time between Detroit and Triple-A Toledo.

Tanner Gordon Refines Arsenal in Bid for Rockies Rotation

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Tanner Gordon is competing for a fifth starter spot with the Rockies, focusing on a new two-seam fastball grip and adjustments to his slider and cutter under pitching coach Alon Leichman. Embracing the team's philosophy to attack the zone, he has impressed this spring with seven innings of one-run ball, eight strikeouts, and only one walk across three appearances. Gordon continues to balance coaching staff input with his own feel for the game while vying for an Opening Day roster spot.

George Kirby Continues Spring Progression for Mariners

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George Kirby is making his third Cactus League start for the Mariners, looking to refine his form and command. The team is monitoring his performance closely, particularly his pitch-calling process. Kirby, a key part of the Seattle rotation, is working through his spring schedule as the Mariners prepare for the regular season. No television broadcast is available for his current outing against the Cincinnati Reds.

Juan Soto Leads Dominican Republic's WBC Power Surge

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Juan Soto is playing a central role in the Dominican Republic's undefeated run through the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The team has been an offensive juggernaut, tallying 51 runs and 14 home runs in five games. Soto, who has already slugged two homers in the tournament, is part of a lineup widely considered one of the greatest ever assembled, featuring stars like Manny Machado, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. as they head into the WBC semifinals.

Manny Machado Headlines Stacked Dominican WBC Roster

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Manny Machado is a key member of the Dominican Republic's star-studded roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The Dominican squad has been dominant in the tournament, remaining undefeated through five games with 51 runs scored and 14 home runs. Machado joins a high-powered lineup that includes Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. as the team prepares for a critical semifinal showdown against Team USA.